All about President Museveni son’s new job as Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) – Nairobi News

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the only son to Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, was appointed Chief of Defense Forces in a new round of appointments and promotions announced on March 21, 2024.

His promotion took place a year after he was promoted to the rank of General, and 17 months since he threatened to storm Nairobi with his troops and take it over as a Ugandan territory. Despite his controversial sentiments on foreign policy, his military star continues to shine as he finally rose to the most senior position in the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces.

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Nairobi News now explores what General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s new job description is as head of the Defense Forces in accordance with the Ugandan Defense Forces Act.

1. According to the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Act 2005, General Kainerugaba will now be tasked with the command, control and administration of the Defense Forces.
2. On matters location of units and formations, General Kainerugaba may, when he or she considers it necessary to do by reason of training requirements or operational necessity, exercise the powers conferred upon the Commander-in Chief (the President of Uganda) and shall notify the Minister of any action taken in that regard, except that the Chief of Defense Forces shall not authorize the permanent re-allocation of any unit or detachment.
3. The High Command as established the Act consists of ranked officials from highest to lowest in this order: President, the Minister, Members of the High Command on 26th January, 1986, whose names are set out in the Third Schedule of the Act, the Chief of Defense Forces and lower. This means General Kainerugaba ranks higher at position four in the chain of High Command in the Defense Forces.
4. The Commander in Chief may consult him in matters related to Command appointments of formations, units and other elements in teh Defense Forces.
5. General Kainerugaba, if appointed in the absence of the President, Vice President, the Minister, may advise the Defense Forces Council on all matters connected with the control and administration of the Defense Forces, be responsible for giving professional advise on military defense policy and perform such duties as may be conferred upon it by the law.

“The UPDF fraternity congratulates the General Officers for the new appointments and well deserved promotions and wish them good luck in their new assignments and ranks,” read a statement from the Office of the Defense Spokesperson upon unveiling of the new appointments and promotions.

General Muhoozi’s new appointment also comes in light of him openly campaigning to succeed his father as president in the 2026 General Election, campaigns which are against the army bylaws in Uganda. No soldier is allowed to openly participate in political matters but General Muhoozi, through his MK Movement, has been popularizing his bid across the country for months now.

His presidential ambitions continues to be fodder for debate over the Museveni family’s allegedly turning the presidency into a family legacy and not being democratic considering President Museveni has ruled the nation for 38 years now.